Lecturer - Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology (Division of Biochemistry) - Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences at University of Pretoria/Universiteit van Pretoria

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• The incumbent will actively participate in the following areas:
• Operational activities and management of the Antimalarial Drug Discovery Platform; particularly the cultivation and assay of multiple life cycle stages of the parasite, including transmissible gametocytes and mosquito stages;
• Leading an independent research programme that synergises with both the activities of the Chair and the ISMC, with the express purpose of producing research output to attract research funding, foster international collaborations, and mentor postgraduate students;
• Teaching and curriculum development at undergraduate and postgraduate level in Biochemistry;
• Participating in the Department’s strategic initiatives relating to teaching, research and community engagement.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• PhD in Biochemistry;
• Evidenced publication record in accredited journals and/or international conference with a clear focus on malaria transmission-blocking drug discovery and drug target identification;
• Evidence of research funding and project management;
• Proven experience in research mentorship at tertiary level;
• Proven experience in undergraduate teaching in Biochemistry.

ADDED ADVANTAGES AND PREFERENCES:

• Evidence of the ability to collaborate, as well as the drive to build research capacity and research networks;
• Preference will be given to candidates who have teaching expertise that complement the Department’s needs, including the ability to teach large undergraduate classes (> 150 students).

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES (SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND BEHAVIOURAL ATTRIBUTES):

• Evidenced experience in BSL2 aseptic culture of all in vitro stages of malaria parasites, importantly transmissible gametocytes and mosquito stages, as well as in the assay of antimalarial compounds on all life cycle stages including transmission-blocking assays;
• Experience in proteomics and biochemical-based drug mode of action evaluation;
• Experience in bioinformatics applications and related data management systems;
• Excellent communication skills, a student-centred mind-set, and good interpersonal skills.